Rumours that Carlin Motorsport's British F3 line-up could feature a second Red Bull protégé appear set to be confirmed with the arrival of Spain's Jaime Alguersuari Jr.

The Spanish media is convinced that Alguersuari, who has been quietly making his way up the single-seater ladder over the past few years, will join New Zealand's Brendon Hartley at Carlin, along with Oliver Turvey and one other, as yet unconfirmed, driver.

Just 17, the son of World Series by Renault promoter Jaime Alguersuari Sr, the Spaniard has been contesting Formula Renault's Eurocup for the past two seasons, finishing fifth overall in 2007 as well as taking the runner-up spot in the Italian national series.

Determined to step up for next season, he appears certain to link up with Carlin thanks to his strong links with Red Bull, which added him to its 'junior team' in 2005, ironically alongside Hartley. His continued place on the drinks brand's roster is set to be confirmed today [Monday].

While participation in the British series will largely preclude to many ventures onto the international scene - the likes of Zandvoort's Masters and Macau aside - Alguersuari is reportedly keen to dovetail his Carlin commitments with outings in the burgeoning Spanish F3 series.

Newly-crowned Eurocup champion Hartley was signed by Carlin a couple of weeks ago, and made his debut with the team at last weekend's Macau Grand Prix, where he finished twelfth on what was only his second F3 outing, the 17-year old having already shone at the Zolder Masters with Mucke Motorsport.